Serum Cortisol Concentrations Research Articles

Eye Temperature Measured with Infrared Thermography to Assess Stress Responses to Road Transport in Horses.

The aim of the present study was to investigate eye temperature modifications after road transport in athletic horses habituated to travel. Eight adult Italian saddle horses traveled 100 km and, two weeks later, 300 km. Eye temperature (ET), rectal temperature (RT) and serum cortisol concentration were assessed before (T1), after (T2) and 60 min (T3) after the road transport. ET was evaluated with infrared thermography (IRT) in three regions of interest: EL1 (medial canthus), EL2 (central cornea) and EL3 (lateral canthus). Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures showed statistically higher values at T2 and T3 for EL1 (p < 0.01), EL2 (p < 0.01) and EL3 (p < 0.01) following the 100 km journey. RT (p < 0.01) showed higher values at T2 and T3 after the 100 km journey and higher values at T2 (p < 0.01) following the 300 km journey. ET values were positively correlated with RT at T1, T2 and T3 following the 100 km journey and at T2 following the 300 km journey and positively correlated with serum cortisol concentration at T1, T2 and T3 following the 100 km journey and at T2 and T3 following the 300 km journey. Eye temperature monitoring with IRT allows quick and practical strategies to monitor an animal's physiological state and welfare during daily activities.

Endogenous serum glucocorticoid concentrations, steroidogenic enzyme activity, and 90-day mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: an observational cohort study.

In the context of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) illness, we examined endogenous glucocorticoid concentrations, steroidogenic enzyme activity, and their correlation with inflammation and patient outcomes. This observational study included 125 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 101 healthy individuals as a reference group. We utilized LC-MS to assess serum concentrations of 11-deoxycortisol, cortisol, and cortisone, as well as activities of steroidogenic enzymes (11β-hydroxylase and 11β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase type 1). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and competing risk analysis were employed to analyze associations between glucocorticoid concentrations and outcomes, adjusting for relevant factors. In patients with COVID-19, cortisol concentrations were higher and cortisone concentrations were lower compared to the reference group, while 11-deoxycortisol concentrations were similar. Steroidogenic enzyme activity favored cortisol production. Correlations between glucocorticoid concentrations and inflammatory markers were low. A doubling in concentrations cortisol, was associated with increased 90-day mortality and mechanical ventilation (HR: 2.40 95% CI: (1.03-5.59) , P = 0.042 and HR: 3.83 (1.19-12.31), P = 0.024). A doubling in concentrations of 11-deoxycortisol was also associated to mortality (HR: 1.32 (1.05-1.67), P = 0.018), whereas concentrations of cortisone were associated with mechanical ventilation (HR: 5.09 (1.49-17.40), P = 0.009). In conclusion, serum concentrations of glucocorticoid metabolites were altered in patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19, and steroidogenic enzyme activity resulting in the conversion of cortisone to biologically active cortisol was preserved, thus not favoring critical-illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency at the enzymatic level. Glucocorticoid release did not counterbalance the hyperinflammatory state in patients with severe COVID-19. High serum concentrations of 11-deoxycortisol and cortisol were associated with 90-day mortality, and high serum concentrations of cortisol and cortisone were associated with mechanical ventilation.

Use of Gabapentin or Alprazolam in Cats during Postoperative, Short-Term Hospitalization.

This prospective, randomized study aimed to assess the anxiolytic efficacy of gabapentin or alprazolam in cats during short-term postoperative hospitalization. Sixty cats were randomly assigned to three groups (gabapentin-treated [100 mg per cat], alprazolam-treated [0.125 mg per cat], or placebo-treated), with treatments administered twice daily for two days. Stress levels were evaluated using Cat Stress Scores, serum cortisol, and glucose concentrations. Pain scores, food consumption, and adverse effects such as sedation were also monitored. Fifty-five cats completed the study. Both medications demonstrated similar reductions in stress levels. Cats receiving gabapentin had lower pain scores, while those receiving alprazolam exhibited significantly increased food intake on the first postoperative day. However, both medications resulted in comparable levels of sedation. In the context of postoperative hospitalization, pharmacological intervention with anxiolytics could be effective in reducing stress levels. Despite potential side effects, gabapentin and alprazolam may contribute to an improved quality of short-term hospitalization for cats.

Protocolo diagnóstico de la insuficiencia suprarrenal en niños

In the pediatric population, defects in adrenal steroidogenesis are the main cause of primary adrenal insufficiency (AI) whereas sudden withdrawal of chronic glucocorticoid therapy is the main cause of central AI. Neonatal screening programs for congenital adrenal hyperplasia are of vital importance, as they allow for an early diagnosis and implementation of appropriate therapeutic interventions to ensure the survival of affected neonates. Baseline serum cortisol concentrations below 3μg/dl are diagnostic of AI, while values above 15–18μg/dl would rule it out. In case of indeterminate values, dynamic assessment of adrenal reserve would be indicated. A short stimulation test with 250μg of 1-24-ACTH is the gold standard in patients with primary AI and is also recommended for evaluating patients with central AI. An insulin-induced hypoglycemia test is the gold standard for evaluating AI of central origin.

Changes of serum cortisol during pregnancy and labor initiation: an onsite cross-sectional study.

Increased maternal cortisol secretion has been observed during pregnancy and labor. However, due to the limitations in diagnostic methods, the dynamic change of cortisol during the short period between threatened labor and labor is unknown. In this study, we aim to evaluate the changes in serum cortisol during late pregnancy and full-term labor initiation, verifying if cortisol could serve as a biomarker for the diagnosis of labor initiation from threatened labor. This cross-sectional onsite study involved 564 participants of 6 different gestational stages (C: Control; T1: Trimester 1; T3: Trimester 3; E: expectant; TL: threatened labor; L: labor), all patients in the E, TL, and L groups were at full term. The serum cortisol concentration was quantified with a point-of-care test (POCT), and the gestation, age, parity, and BMI of participants were documented. Morning serum cortisol was collected between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., except for the TL and L group women who were tested upon arrival or during latent labor. With cortisol levels or all five variables, L was distinguished from TL using machine learning algorithms. Significant elevation of cortisol concentration was observed between T1 and T3, or TL and L group (P< 0.001). Women belonging to the E and TL group showed similar gestation week and cortisol levels. Diagnosis of labor initiation using cortisol levels (cutoff = 21.46 μg/dL) yielded sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of 86.50%, 88.60%, and 0.934. With additional variables, a higher specificity (89.29%) was achieved. The diagnostic accuracy of all methods ranged from 85.93% to 87.90%. Serum cortisol could serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of L form TL. The rapid onsite detection of serum cortisol with POCT could facilitate medical decision-making for admission and special treatments, either as an additional parameter or when other technical platforms are not available.

Associations of serum glucocorticoid levels on hypertension and blood pressure-related indicators: a nested case-control study in rural China.

The relationship between glucocorticoids and hypertension has shown inconsistent findings in previous studies. To address this, our study employed a nested case-control design in rural areas to further investigate the association between serum glucocorticoid levels and hypertension, and blood pressure-related indicators. This study employed a nested case-control design, involving 560 pairs of hypertensive cases and matched controls. The concentrations of serum cortisol (F), cortisone (E) and 11-deoxycortisol (S) were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We employed various methods, including generalized linear model (GLM), conditional logistic regression model, restricted cubic spline regression, subgroup analysis, interaction, and joint effects, with adjustments for multiple covariates to analyze the relationships between glucocorticoids, hypertension, and blood pressure-related indicators. After multivariable adjustments, ln-F, ln-F/E, and ln-S were positively associated with SBP, DBP, pulse pressure (PP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP), while ln-E was negatively associated with DBP and MAP (P < 0.05). Interestingly, ln-S showed no statistically significant association with hypertension prevalence (P > 0.05), whereas ln-F and ln-F/E were positively associated with it (P < 0.05). The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 1.153 (1.011-1.315) for ln-F and 2.072 (1.622-2.645) for ln-F/E, respectively. In contrast, ln-E exhibited a negative association with hypertension prevalence (adjusted OR = 0.837, 95% CI 0.714-0.982). Moreover, a significant association was observed between the combined use of high-dose F/E and high-dose S with hypertension prevalence (adjusted OR = 3.273, 95% CI 2.013-5.321). Blood pressure indicators and hypertension prevalence significantly increased with elevated serum F and F/E concentrations (P < 0.05). Interaction analysis further revealed that among women, the positive association between F/E and hypertension prevalence was more pronounced than in men (P < 0.05), and S exhibited a more significant positive association with hypertension prevalence in the overweight population (P < 0.05). Serum F/E and S levels demonstrated positive associations with hypertension and blood pressure-related indicators, and their combined influence exhibited a synergistic effect on hypertension. Notably, F, F/E, and S were associated with heightened hypertension risk, warranting particular attention in women and overweight populations.

212 Growth and behavior of Yorkshire gilts exhibiting physiological resilience to weaning stress

Abstract Weaning is an acute early-life stressor and therefore, an excellent model for examining lasting impacts of stress resilience. Our objective was to identify gilts exhibiting physiological resilience or vulnerability to weaning stress and characterize long-term impact on growth and behavior. Purebred Yorkshire litters born to multiparous sows from a single farrowing group were used. At weaning (26 ± 1 d of age), blood samples were collected from all gilt piglets of 13 litters (n = 101) at -1 d, 0 d, and +4 d pre- and post-weaning. Serum cortisol concentrations were quantified by the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. For each litter, serum cortisol was used to identify the gilt most capable of returning to baseline concentrations by +4 d as stress resilient (SR, n = 13) and the gilt least capable as stress vulnerable (SV, n = 13). Skin lesions were recorded at -1 d, +1 d, and +4 d at weaning and when gilts were mixed into grow-finish cohorts. Body weights were recorded at birth, 4 wk, 8 wk, and 12 wk and used to calculate average daily gain (ADG) for the farrowing, nursery, and early grow-finish stages. To assess behavior, focal gilts underwent a social dyad test in a novel arena at 7 wk, a handling test at 8 wk, and novel object test at 12 wk. We observed no differences in skin lesions at weaning, but at 8 wk SR gilts had significantly more rear lesions -1 d pre-mixing (P = 0.031) and middle lesions 4 d post-mixing (P = 0.049). No differences in body weight or ADG were observed at any stage. We did not observe differences between SR and SV pigs during the social dyad or handling tests. During the novel object test, SR gilts exhibited a tendency towards increased activity as demonstrated by a greater number of total zone crosses, 1 m line crosses, and 0.5 m line crosses (P = 0.062, 0.091, and 0.103, respectively). In conclusion, we found gilts resilient to weaning stress were involved in more agonistic behavior at mixing and exhibited increased activity levels in a novel situation. The absence of growth differences supports the potential to select for resilience without negatively impacting growth performance, and the observed behavioral differences could suggest implications for ease of handling and adaptability if females are retained for breeding.

PSVI-17 Inclusion of glutathione precursor to diet of sows from d 114of lactation through to weaning d 21 improves serum hormone concentrations and piglet performance

Abstract Glutathione (GSH) is a critical endogenous antioxidant found in all eukaryotic cells and has a critical role in maintaining redox homeostasis. Greater GSH concentrations protect cellular damage, tissue degeneration, and disease progression in various models but very limited study exists in swine model. Thus, we aimed to examine the effect of GSH supplementation on lactating sows and their suckling performance. From d 114 of lactation to 21 d of weaning, a total of 40 multiparous sows (Landrace x Yorkshire, parity 2.4) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments. The test treatments were: CON, a basal diet and a basal diet supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% GSH precursors. Experimental data (reproductive performance, growth performance, and blood profile) was analyzed by the general linear model (GLM) procedure with individual sow and their progenies as an experimental unit. Orthogonal polynomial regression was conducted to determine the linear and quadratic effects of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% GSH precursors in pigs. Piglets born to sows fed GSH precursors showed linearly increased body weight and total average daily gain (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at the end of weaning d 21. Moreover, dietary GSH showed linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) GSH and GSH/GSSG (oxidized glutathione) ratio in sow blood at the end of lactation d 14 and d 21. Whereas, at the end of weaning serum cortisol concentration of sows was significantly reduced by GSH precursor supplementation. In conclusion, adding 0.3% of GSH supplement to lactating sow diet would be beneficial to enhance the immune status and performance of both sows and their progenies respectively.

Influence of Jerusalem artichoke tuber as a prebiotic on the nutrient utilization, weaning stress indicators and immunocompetence of crossbred calves during the pre- and post-weaning phases

This study explored the potential prebiotic properties of pulverized Jerusalem artichoke tuber (JAP) in pre- and post-weaned calves. Accordingly, 24 fifteen-day-old calves were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6). The groups received JAP supplementation at levels of 0 (CON), 1 (JAP1), 2 (JAP2), and 3 (JAP3) percent of dry matter intake (DMI) during the first 60 days of the 120-day experiment. Two 6-days digestion trials were conducted: one during the 4th week of the experiment (pre-wean), and the second during the tenth week (post-wean). Additionally, serum concentrations of cortisol and epinephrine were measured in both the pre- and post-weaning phases to assess the stress levels. Immunocompetence of the calves during both the stages was evaluated through lymphocyte proliferation response. In the pre-weaning phase, the calves supplemented with JAP had better (P < 0.05) protein intake and digestion compared to the control group. In the post-weaning phase, the JAP supplemented groups exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) improved digestibility coefficients for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, and neutral detergent fibre. Although cortisol levels didn't show significant differences (P > 0.05) between the groups during both pre-weaning and post-weaning stages, the post-weaning stage did reveal a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in epinephrine levels in JAP1 compared to the other groups. Additionally, JAP supplementation enhanced (P < 0.05) the calves' response to lymphocyte proliferation during the post-weaning phase. Considering the improved nutrient digestibility, enhanced systemic immunity, and reduced epinephrine levels observed in the JAP supplemented groups, our findings suggest that JAP may have promising potential as a prebiotic for calves.

Short-term dietary teprenone improved thermal tolerance and mitigated liver damage caused by heat stress in juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Heat stress seriously threatens fish survival and health, demanding immediate attention. Teprenone is a gastric mucosal protective agent that can induce heat shock protein expression. This research investigated the effects of teprenone on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) subjected to heat stress. Juvenile fish were assigned to different groups: group C (control group, 0 mg teprenone/kg diet), T0, T200, T400, and T800 (0, 200, 400, and 800 mg teprenone/kg diet, respectively), which were fed for 3 days, followed by a day without the diet. All groups except group C were subjected to acute heat stress (from 24 °C to 35 °C at 1 °C per hour and then maintained at 35 °C for 3 h). The results were as follows: The critical thermal maxima were significantly higher in the T200, T400, and T800 groups compared with the T0 group (P < 0.05). Heat stress caused severe damage to the tissue morphology of the liver, while teprenone significantly reduced this injury (P < 0.05). Serum cortisol concentration decreased gradually as teprenone concentration increased, and the lowest concentration was observed in the T800 group (P < 0.05). Compared with the T0 group, the serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase were significantly lower in the T200, T400, and T800 groups (P < 0.05). The liver activities of catalase, total superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase were significantly higher in the T200 group than in the T0 group (P < 0.05). Transcript levels of the heat shock proteins (hsp90, hsp70, hspa5, and hsf1) and caspase family (caspase3 and caspase9) in the liver of the T200 group were significantly higher than those of the T0 group (P < 0.05). Western blot results showed that HSP70 and HSPA5 in the liver were significantly upregulated in the T200 group compared with the T0 group (P < 0.05). In summary, dietary teprenone improved thermal tolerance, alleviated heat stress damage in the liver, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and upregulated heat shock proteins in juvenile largemouth bass. This study offers theoretical support for applying teprenone in aquaculture to reduce financial losses caused by abiotic factors.

No requirement of perioperative glucocorticoid replacement in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome - a pilot study.

Surgical therapy represents the first-line treatment for endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS). While postoperative glucocorticoid replacement is mandatory after surgical remission, the role of perioperative glucocorticoid therapy is unclear. We recruited patients with central or adrenal CS in whom curative surgery was planned and patients who underwent pituitary surgery for other reasons than CS as a control group. Patients did not receive any perioperative glucocorticoids until the morning of the first postoperative day. We performed blood samplings in the morning of surgery, immediately after surgery, in the evening of the day of surgery, and in the morning of the first and third postoperative day before any morning glucocorticoid intake. We continued clinical and biochemical monitoring during the following outpatient care. We recruited 12 patients with CS (seven with central CS, five with adrenal CS) and six patients without CS. In patients with CS, serum cortisol concentrations <5.0 µg/dL (<138 nmol/L) were detected in the morning of the first and third postoperative day in four (33%) and six (50%) patients, respectively. Morning serum cortisol concentrations on the third postoperative day were significantly lower when compared to preoperative measurements (8.5 ± 7.6 µg/dL vs. 19.9 ± 8.9 µg/dL [235 ± 210 nmol/L vs. 549 ± 246 nmol/L], p = 0.023). No patient developed clinical or biochemical signs associated with hypocortisolism. During follow-up, we first observed serum cortisol concentrations >5.0 µg/dL (>138 nmol/L) after 129 ± 97 days and glucocorticoids were discontinued after 402 ± 243 days. Patients without CS did not require glucocorticoid replacement at any time. Perioperative glucocorticoid replacement may be unnecessary in patients with central or adrenal CS undergoing curative surgery as first-line treatment.

Early human contact and housing for pigs – part 2: resilience to routine husbandry practices

The ability of pigs to cope with routine farming practices can affect their welfare. This paper is part of a series on early experiences and stress, and reports on the effects of early human contact and housing on the responses of pigs to routine husbandry practices. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, 48 litters of pigs were raised in either a conventional farrowing crate (FC) or a loose farrowing pen (LP; PigSAFE pen) which was larger, more physically complex and allowed the sow to move freely. Piglets were provided with either routine contact from stockpeople (C), or routine contact plus regular opportunities for positive human contact (+HC) involving 5 min of scratching, patting and stroking imposed to the litter 5 days/week from 0 to 4 weeks of age. At 4 weeks of age, piglets were weaned and re-housed with controlled mixing of litters within treatment. At 4 days of age, after only 3 bouts of the handling treatment, +HC pigs showed less escape behaviour than C pigs after capture by a stockperson for vaccinations and tail docking, and shorter durations of vocalisations throughout the procedures. The +HC pigs also showed less escape behaviour when captured by a stockperson at 3 weeks of age. The FC pigs showed less escape behaviour than LP pigs after capture by a stockperson at 4 days of age but not at 3 weeks of age. Serum cortisol concentrations were lower in FC pigs than LP pigs 2 h after weaning but not at 49 h after weaning, whereas serum cortisol concentrations were lower in +HC pigs than C pigs at 49 h after weaning but not at 2 h after weaning. In the period from 0 to 1 h after weaning, C pigs from LP performed the most escape attempts, although escape attempts were rare overall. When being moved out of the home pen by a stockperson at 21 weeks of age, FC pigs showed less baulking than LP pigs, but there were no detected effects of human contact treatment. In conclusion, both housing system and human contact during lactation affected the stress responses of pigs to routine husbandry practices. The +HC and FC pigs appeared to cope better than C and LP pigs, based on lower responses indicative of stress including escape behaviour, vocalisations and cortisol concentrations. These findings are consistent with corresponding reductions in fear that were reported in Part 1 of this series of papers.

Local and systemic responses to repeated gluteal muscle microbiopsies in mature sedentary horses

We aimed to test the hypothesis that repeated muscle collections would impact mitochondrial function, antioxidant status, and markers of inflammation and muscle damage. Twenty-six horses (8 geldings, 18 mares; mean ± SD 9.5 ± 3.5 y) had gluteus medius muscle biopsy samples collected at: 0 and 24h (n=7); 0 and 6h (n = 6); 0, 6, and 12h (n=7); or 0, 6, 12, and 24h (n=6). Blood was collected from all horses every 6h for 72h, starting 24h prior to the 0h muscle collection. Data were analyzed using mixed linear models. Muscle integrative (per mg tissue) electron transfer capacity of complex II decreased (P=0.004) and intrinsic (relative to citrate synthase (CS) activity) LEAK increased (P<0.03) from 0 to 6h but both returned to 0h levels by 12h. Activity of CS was greater at 0 than 12 and 24h (P≤0.02). Serum creatine kinase (CK) activity was similar from -24 through 0h but increased in all horses at 6h and remained elevated through 48h (P<0.05) though not above reference ranges. Whole blood superoxide dismutase activity fluctuated throughout the 72-h collection period (P=0.03) and serum cortisol concentration displayed a circadian pattern (P<0.0001) but neither were altered by muscle collections. No other variable, including muscle mitochondrial capacities and function, blood and muscle antioxidant status and concentrations of select cytokines, and serum amyloid A, differed by time or muscle collection. Repeated gluteal collections had limited short-term or no effect on physiological markers in unstressed, mature horses except serum CK activity, which should be interpreted with caution during repeated tissue collections.

Association between the levels of serum cortisol and the presence of gastric ulcers in working mules

Association between the levels of serum cortisol and the presence of gastric ulcers in working mules

An anti-TNF-glucocorticoid receptor modulator antibody-drug conjugate is efficacious against immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are efficacious drugs used for treating many inflammatory diseases, but the dose and duration of administration are limited because of severe side effects. We therefore sought to identify an approach to selectively target GCs to inflamed tissue. Previous work identified that anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibodies that bind to transmembrane TNF undergo internalization; therefore, an anti-TNF antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) would be mechanistically similar, where lysosomal catabolism could release a GC receptor modulator (GRM) payload to dampen immune cell activity. Consequently, we have generated an anti-TNF-GRM ADC with the aim of inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production from stimulated human immune cells. In an acute mouse model of contact hypersensitivity, a murine surrogate anti-TNF-GRM ADC inhibited inflammatory responses with minimal effect on systemic GC biomarkers. In addition, in a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis, single-dose administration of the ADC, delivered at disease onset, was able to completely inhibit arthritis for greater than 30 days, whereas an anti-TNF monoclonal antibody only partially inhibited disease. ADC treatment at the peak of disease was also able to attenuate the arthritic phenotype. Clinical data for a human anti-TNF-GRM ADC (ABBV-3373) from a single ascending dose phase 1 study in healthy volunteers demonstrated antibody-like pharmacokinetic profiles and a lack of impact on serum cortisol concentrations at predicted therapeutic doses. These data suggest that an anti-TNF-GRM ADC may provide improved efficacy beyond anti-TNF alone in immune mediated diseases while minimizing systemic side effects associated with standard GC treatment.

Differences in the Behavioral Parameters of Young Zebu and Composite Bulls Kept on Non-Forested or in Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry Systems.

The behavior of ruminants can influence their productive efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of young zebu and composite bulls kept in pasture production systems, either in a crop-livestock-forest integration or without afforestation. The work was carried out in São Carlos, Brazil (21°57'42″ S, 47°50'28″ W), in a high-altitude tropical climate, from March to July, 2022. Forty young bulls were evaluated, being 20 Nelore (Bos indicus) (342.5 ± 36.6 kg BW; 16.9 ± 1.8 months) and 20 Canchim (5/8 Bos taurus × 3/8 Bos indicus) (338.4 ± 39.8 kg BW; 19.1 ± 1.9 months), equally distributed in full-sun (FS) and integrated crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) production systems. Behavior was monitored uninterruptedly by an acoustic sensor and accelerometer attached to a collar, and complemented by direct visual assessment, in two one-day campaigns per month. Serum cortisol concentration was assessed monthly. Statistical analyses were conducted using a general linear model at a 5% significance level (SAS, version 9.4). The ICLF system had a milder microclimate and favored thermal comfort. Natural shading influenced grazing, resting, and rumination time. The Canchim bulls were more active when moving and grazing (p < 0.05), even at the hottest times of the day. In turn, the Nelore bulls spent more time resting at all times (p < 0.001), which was shown to be an adaptive strategy in response to environmental stimuli. The Canchim bulls had a longer rumination time than the Nelore bulls (p < 0.001), due to their longer grazing time. The frequency of water and mineral mixture intake did not differ between genotypes, regardless of the production system (p > 0.05). There was no difference in the serum cortisol concentrations of the Nelore and Canchim bulls kept in FS or ICLF (p = 0.082). Thus, young bulls of the different genotypes showed different behaviors, regardless of whether they were kept on pasture without afforestation or in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system.

Associations between Atopic Dermatitis and Behavior Difficulties in Children.

Background and Objectives: There has been increasing evidence that atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with behavioral difficulties (BDs). There is currently a lack of evidence of how the severity of the disease determines BDs and what additional factors may contribute to their manifestation. The aim is to determine what kind of BDs occur in children with AD compared to healthy children and to find out what additional factors may contribute to the development of BDs in AD patients. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, prospective study with the application of a risk assessment instrument for behavior difficulties (Child Behavior Checklist, CBCL 6/18) in pediatric patients with AD and healthy controls (6-17 years) between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022. For statistical comparison, mainly Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Student's t-test were used, considering a significance level of 5%. Results: This study included a total of 101 children: 48% with AD, 52% non-AD. The mean age was 10 ± 2.7 years for AD, and10.5 ± 3.1 years for the control patients. AD patients had higher internal behavior scale scores and T-scores (6.6 ± 6.4 vs. 9.6 ± 6.9 and 47.9 ± 9.5 vs. 52.3 ± 10.2, p = 0.01), anxiety/depression scale score and T-score (2.8 ± 2.7 vs. 4.3 ± 3.5 and 47.7 ± 8.4 vs. 52.5 ± 11, p = 0.02), and somatic problems scale score and T-score (2.1 ± 2.3 vs. 3.5 ± 3 and 47.6 ± 8.5 vs. 52.7 ± 10.9, p = 0.005). Patients with severe AD had sleep disturbance and itching scores higher than those with mild-moderate AD (5.4 ± 2.6 vs. 2.4 ± 2.2, p = 0.000 and 6.6 ± 2.4 vs. 4 ± 2.8, p = 0.001). The mean morning serum cortisol concentration was lower in AD patients compared to controls (252.91 ± 304.34 vs. 351.55 ± 126.09 nmol/L, p = 0.047). Conclusions: Children with AD present a higher risk of BDs than healthy controls. Patients with severe AD experience more sleep disturbances and a greater intensity of itching compared to mild-moderate AD. The occurrence of BDs was not related to serum cortisol levels. The cortisol level, severity, age, gender, duration of illness, intensity of pruritus, and sleep disturbance did not affect the development of BDs.

Comparison of chemotherapy outcomes between normal and high serum cortisol concentration in dogs with lymphoma.

Increased serum cortisol (COR) concentrations may induce glucocorticoid resistance by down-regulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GCR), resulting in decreased chemotherapy efficacy in dogs with lymphoma. Investigate the relationship between serum COR concentrations and chemotherapy outcomes in dogs with lymphoma. Thirty client-owned dogs with lymphoma, with serum COR concentration measured using serum samples collected at diagnosis. Retrospective study. Dogs were divided into 2 groups based on serum COR concentrations: a normal group (n = 16) with COR concentrations <6 μg/dL and a high group (14) with COR concentrations ≥6 μg/dL. We compared signalment, clinical signs, stage, type of lymphoma, adrenal gland size, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, response to chemotherapy, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and rate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp)- and GCR-positive cells between the 2 groups. No significant differences were found in the demographic characteristics between the 2 groups. However, the high COR group exhibited a significantly lower response to chemotherapy, PFS, and OS compared with the normal COR group. Serum ALP activity was significantly higher in the high COR group than in the normal COR group. Adrenal gland size was also significantly larger in the high COR group. Although no significant differences were found in the rate of P-gp-positive cells between the 2 groups, the rate of GCR-positive cells was significantly lower in the high COR group. Our data suggests that measurement of serum COR concentrations may serve as a potential prognostic factor and evaluation index.

130 Effect of an appeasing substance application on growth, stress, handling quality and reproduction of Bos indicus beef heifers synchronized to fixed-time AI

Abstract This experiment evaluated the effects of an analogue of bovine appeasing substance (BAS) on growth, stress, handling quality, and reproduction of Nellore heifers. Twenty-nine heifers [body condition score (BCS) = 4.84 ± 0.13; body weight (BW) = 371 ± 0.77 kg; 23 ± 2 months of age)] were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) Saline solution (0.9 NaCl; n = 14) or BAS (Secure Cattle, IRSEA Group, Quartier Salignan, France; n = 15). Both solutions were applied topically in the nuchal skin area (5 mL/heifers) at the beginning (d -9) of the fixed-time artificial insemination protocol (FTAI). Heifers were allocated in two different pastures according to the treatment (one pasture per treatment) for 15 d (time of action of BAS) and then combined in a single group (both treatments in the same pasture). Heifers were inseminated on d 0, and BW and BCS were collected on d -9 and 40. The temperament in the squeeze chute (entry and exit scores; scale 1 – 3; chute score; scale 1 – 5; greater values mean more reactive heifers) and blood samples were collected on d -9, 0, 7, 14 and 30. The percentual of aggression, accident, and dirtiness in the perineal region were evaluated on d 0 along with time to inseminate, estrus expression scores (scale 1 – 3; 1 = no expression, 2 = low expression, 3 = greater expression), and dominant follicle size. The corpus luteum size was measured on d 7 and 14, and the pregnancy and embryo size on d 40. The BAS vs. Saline-treated heifers tended to have greater BW change (23.6 vs. 20.8 ± 1.03 kg; P = 0.09) and had greater BCS change (0.05 vs. -0.21 ± 0.05; P &amp;lt; 0.01). The BAS vs. Saline-treated heifers tended to have lesser entry scores (1.42 vs. 1.67 ± 0.09; P = 0.09) and percentual of dirtiness in the perineal region (48.3 vs. 71.1 ± 8.67 %; P = 0.06), and no effects of treatment were detected (P ≥ 0.39) for chute score, exit score, aggression, accident and time to inseminate. The BAS vs. Saline-treated heifers had greater estrus scores (2.00 vs. 1.27 ± 0.21; P = 0.03), and no effects were detected (P ≥ 0.11) for ovarian variables, pregnancy rate, and conceptus size. Furthermore, no treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.25) for serum concentration of cortisol and plasma concentration of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, and progesterone. Therefore, BAS application at the beginning of the FTAI protocol could decrease the temperament and dirtiness in the perineal region and increase the growth and estrus expression of beef heifers.

Comparison of analgesic efficacy of tramadol, morphine and methadone in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic efficacy and the effect on physiological variables and behavior of the use of tramadol, methadone and morphine as preoperative analgesia in healthy cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy. Cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy were randomly assigned to receive one of the following premedication treatments intramuscularly: methadone (0.2 mg/kg; n = 10); morphine (0.2 mg/kg; n = 10); or tramadol (3 mg/kg; n = 10). Induction of anesthesia was done with propofol, and maintenance of anesthesia was done with isoflurane. Intraoperative heart rate, arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate, end-tidal isoflurane concentration and frequency of rescue analgesia (fentanyl 2.5 µg/kg) were compared between groups. Postoperative analgesia was assessed using the UNESP-Botucatu Multidimensional Composite Pain Scale, and perioperative serum glucose, cortisol concentrations and postoperative rescue analgesia were evaluated. Intraoperative rescue analgesia was required in 76.5% of cats at some time during surgery, and 27% of cats required postoperative rescue analgesia up to 6 h after extubation. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to intraoperative and postoperative rescue analgesia, pain scale scores and end-tidal isoflurane concentrations. In the immediate postoperative period, after extubation, most of the patients presented with hypothermia; however, 1-6 h postoperatively, hyperthermia was observed in most of the patients, and was most common in the tramadol group. Under the conditions of this study, methadone, morphine and tramadol produced satisfactory postoperative analgesia in most of the cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy, and the effects lasted up to 6 h postoperatively. Intraoperative analgesia was not sufficient in most cases. Significant cardiovascular or respiratory effects contraindicating the use of these drugs were not found. Postanesthetic hyperthermia occurred with all opioids studied and was more frequent in the tramadol group.